The Triumphant Lifestyle

“…In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

We live in a hurting world. From the small frustrations of everyday life to major tragedies, we all experience varying degrees of pain and suffering. The question is, “How will we handle these difficulties?” Those who follow Jesus will follow Him to the cross. Suffering becomes a part of the Christian life that allows us to draw even nearer to our Lord. This triumphant lifestyle in the midst of this world’s suffering allows us to draw near to those who are hurting and bring them in prayer to the Savior’s healing hand. Jesus tells us very clearly, “In this world you will have trouble.” But He doesn’t leave it there. He continues on to say, “But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

Lord, we long for Your appearing. As the nations and the very earth itself convulses in anticipation, please give us Your lasting peace in the midst of troubling times. Help me to endure any hardship for Your sake. I want to be like You, Lord Jesus, as You endured the cross for the joy set before You. May You be my strength and my shield in every situation.

Prayer Points
Praise God that he is in control of every storm (Mk. 4:35-39). Thank him that he does not want anyone to perish but to have everlasting life in him (2 Pet. 3:9). Confess to God your wrong response to the stormy, unexpected events in your life that leave you feeling panicky and fretful. Commit every stormy situation, as well as every good one, to God as he cares for you, restores you, and makes you strong (1 Pet. 5:7, 10). Ask God to calm any anxiety or fear that you are experiencing.

Pray for troubled unbelievers to find victory over stormy lives in the calm that only Jesus can give.

–Prayer Points taken from Patterns for Prayer by Alvin VanderGriend (Click on the blue title for more information about this resource).